Article

EcoDual, provider of dual-fuel conversion systems for heavy-duty diesel trucks, has received authorization from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to begin installing its systems on 2004 to 2009 Cummins ISX engines.

The EcoDual conversion kit enables existing diesel engines to be converted to operate on up to 85% natural gas, providing significant fuel cost savings. The cost of the dual fuel system can be recovered in these operational savings within one year without any government incentives, according to the company.

In 2011, the EPA streamlined the regulations for natural gas engines. This "Clean Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Engine Conversions" rule created a special category known as Outside Useful Life, which applies to heavy-duty diesel engines with more than 435,000 miles, or more than 22,000 hours of operation, or are more than 10 years old. The EcoDual system achieved its EPA compliance under this rule.

The company notes the system offers long-range operation of more than 800 miles. It will begin shipping product in May.

The EcoDual conversion system was successfully demonstrated and tested on cross-country runs in a truck provided by J.W. Stenger Trucking of Barnesville, Ohio.

Duringthe next 12 months, EcoDual will be releasing multiple systems certified for newer trucks with the Cummins ISX and other engine families from Detroit Diesel, Mack and Caterpillar.